Guest Post: Teaspoons & Petals

Today I bring you a guest post from Alexis Siemons, of the delightfully tea-centric blog, Teaspoons & Petals. A freelance writer, creative business consultant, and tea writer, Alexis propositioned me with the idea of posting on small measure several months back. I'd never done any guest posting on here before, love what she writes about ,and thought "why not?" And so, here's Alexis, sharing ideas about two of my favorite things-tea and honey!

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As I celebrate spring rains and blossoming buds, the showers and clouds often chill me to the core. I look to my kettle and steamy sips to warm my soul. So, until we settle into summer sun, here are two of my favorite herbal blends that brighten my spirit with special, simple ingredients: Orange Blossom Honey with Dried Rose Buds & Hibiscus Flowers and Chestnut Honey with Candied Ginger & Cinnamon.

Orange Blossom Honey with Dried Rose Buds & Hibiscus Flowers

-Bring a cup of water to a boil and add dried rose petals and dried hibiscus flowers. Steep for 5-7 minutes.

-Don’t step away as you steep. Instead, watch the hibiscus flowers paint your water a vibrant shade of red (such a visual treat).

-Strain the petals and hibiscus flowers.

-Let water cool until its ready to sip. Stir in a spoonful of orange blossom honey.

*First sip: the bright, sweet burst from the orange blossom honey balances the bold, tart flavor of the hibiscus. The hint of rose buds offers a subtle floral fragrance. A refreshing herbal steep that will lift your spirits in one sip.

Chestnut Honey with Candied Ginger & Cinnamon

-Bring a cup of water to a boil and add sliced, candied ginger. Steep for 10 minutes.

Let the water cool until it’s ready to sip, and then add a dab of chestnut honey.

*First sip: The slightly sweet candied ginger adds a delicate spice. The Chestnut Honey is the star of the show with a deep, smoky flavor that is wonderfully complex. The taste reminds me of leather, tobacco and a campfire in the fall forest. The deep, dark amber honey is rich and savory. Perfect for an evening sip. Swap the candied ginger with fresh slices for a spicier sip. Add rooibos tea to intensify the earthy quality of this blend.

Let your edible imagination take you on a journey as you dream up herbal blends that make your taste buds swoon. Start out with simple steeps of herbs and honey (mint is a great first choice), and soon enough you’ll be transforming your kitchen into a culinary lab of steeps and sips.

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Thanks, Alexis! And, now that I've opened the site to others, what about you? Got anything you'd like to share with small measure readers? Send me a query and we'll chat about it. I'm not making any promises, but if your blog jives with mine and I like the idea, we might just be able to make something happen.